Republicans flirt with hardball offer on ending shutdown

Senate Republicans are pushing to keep the pressure on Democrats to reopen the entire government, rather than just parts of it, as the government shutdown continues. This comes as the largest federal workers union has called on Congress to pass a clean continuing resolution. Republicans believe they are close to breaking the Democrats' will on the shutdown, citing examples such as the recent vote on military pay, where some Democrats joined Republicans. The shutdown is causing significant pain points, including U.S. troops and federal workers missing a full paycheck and the SNAP food assistance program running out of funds on November 1. Softening the blow for one group, such as military personnel or SNAP recipients, would reduce the pressure to end the shutdown. Some Senate Republicans, including Senator Markwayne Mullin and Senator Eric Schmitt, are advocating for a simple vote to reopen the government. However, some Senate Democrats, including Senator Mark Kelly and Senator Dick Durbin, are open to partially reopening the government, such as paying for SNAP and air traffic controllers. The GOP will debate next steps at a closed-door lunch, including whether to force more votes on smaller bills to fund specific programs or federal workers. Majority Leader John Thune has stated that if Democrats want to pay SNAP recipients, they should reopen the government. The situation will continue to unfold, with all eyes on the GOP's next moves and the potential for further votes on smaller bills to fund specific programs or federal workers.